Hailing from the humble country of Norway, Lido is a relatively name new in the EDM world, only rising to popularity in the last year. With a style difficult to categorize in any formal segment of the EDM scene, Lido has managed to entice listeners with his genre-bending production and keen sense of rhythm, which is likely why he was placed between an R&B singer and a singer-songwriter.
Unlike most DJs and electronic musicians present at SXSW, Lido had more than two turntables and a mixer; his set included the former pieces of equipment as well as two midi keyboards and a drum pad. Accompanying the instruments were tubular lights along the stage and a transforming backdrop. The venue itself could hold no more than 200 people, making the music all the more riveting and diaphragm-shaking.
Journeying through songs from his recent EP, I Love You, and his marvelous remixes to songs such as Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Disclosure’s “Latch” featuring Sam Smith, Lido was able to keep the crowd ecstatic and engaged by playing the main elements of the songs live. Switching between the turntables to the drum pads to the keyboards, Lido flexed his musicianship, proving that he was not just another DJ that “presses play.” Though it was a relatively short set at 30 minutes compared to the usual one hour allotted to most DJs, he was able keep everyone bobbing their heads and raising their hands to the musical twists and turns of his set. Moreover, he is much more animated as a performer than you would assume for an electronic music producer. It is evident that his heart and soul go into his music by the way he pulsates the rhythm with his body and mouths the words to the songs.
Ultimately, Lido turned out to be one of the best acts during that lineup of artists and it is no surprise why his music has been gaining steam as of late. Being so unique compared to what is currently being played at EDM shows, Lido’s skillful performance and jubilant stage presence make him a highly recommended artist to go see.
ANDREW HWANG.